Pesto

Ok, havent been on here for a while, Its as if the universe it trying to tell me, whats wrong with you? didint you get the hint there is no way in hell you are allowed to do anything for yourself that is all about you. All of a sudden everyone in my family has a need and must be fulfilled as soon as i frikking pick up the frikkin laptop.  Why don't i do this while they are out? Hmm well, if i had a maid, cook and chauffeur i would soo totally do this.  So last night was fish night so i made fish curry. The night before i was pissed off and didn't wanna cook so i made Sandwiches.  They were really good actually.  All i did was i got my handy dandy electric griddle out and placed 6 slices of bread on it with a tiny layer of butter while on the griddle i slather on some pesto, a few slices of fresh mozzarella, a few slices of tomatoes some salt and pepper. Than i get another 6 slices and i spread a layer of pesto and place it on top of the others. I turn the sandwich over and brown the other side.  Very simple and yummy.  This is exactly what we order at Panera Bread with a side order of chips or apple for like 7 bucks each!!!. If i wanna order the Mediterranean, they jsut add in slice of bell peppers from a jar and few artichokes from a jar and 2 olives and instead of mozarella they add in feta.  Seriously atleast the tomato is fresh. Nevertheless i really like it. So, i chose to make it at happen also add in a small slices of saute mushrooms.  Pesto is really easy to make it, however it is important to know that it is a bit expensive and it needs to be consumed within two weeks.  But it tastes really yummy.  Pesto can be made in many many various way.  The common pesto is primarily made with pine nuts, garlic and basil.  There is options to make it with different types of nuts and herbs.  You can make a cilantro and almond pesto to coat fish before baking. You can make a walnut and mint  pesto to coat lamb before roasting.  All you need is a food processor and the stuff below.

Basic Basil Pesto
 large bunch of basil, leaves only, washed and dried
3 medium cloves of garlic
one small handful of raw pine nuts
roughly 3/4 cup Parmesan, loosely packed and FRESHLY GRATED (optional)
red chilli flakes (optional)
2/3 cup of extra virgin oil. Divided in half


Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the optional cheese.

Its good to have pesto around for quick meals. You can always coat fishh or chicken with pesto and ranch dressing than coat it with panko bread and shallow fry. You can add in 2 tblsp of pesto into alfredo sauce or marinara sauce. For appetizers just open a pouch of cream cheese lay in on a nice serving dish and pour the pesto on top than serve with crakers. You can make yummy tea sandwich with cream cheese mixed with pesto slice some super thinly sliced cucmbers. OR tomatoes or both or both with alfalfa sprouts or all with sliced kalamata olives. Go Crazy

Thats all for now Serve these great foods pretty with sincerity and good intentions will be sent your way with lots of DUA and prayers.